In recent years, there has been a growing fascination with natural remedies for skincare, and pumpkin oil has taken the world by storm. Derived from the humble pumpkin, this golden elixir has a rich history that dates back centuries. Let's dive into the origins and skin benefits of this remarkable oil.
Pumpkin oil, also known as pepita oil, finds its roots in Central Europe, particularly in countries like Austria and Hungary. The oil is extracted from pumpkin seeds, which have been a staple in the European diet for centuries. In fact, pumpkin seeds were consumed by Native American tribes long before the arrival of European settlers. The seeds and their oil were not only valued for their delicious taste but also for their remarkable health and skincare properties.
Pumpkin oil is a powerhouse of nutrients that can work wonders for your skin.
Here are some of the incredible benefits it offers:
Hydration and Moisturization: Pumpkin oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which help maintain the skin's natural barrier. This, in turn, prevents moisture loss, keeping your skin hydrated and supple.
Antioxidant Protection: Loaded with vitamins A and E, pumpkin oil is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals, which can cause premature aging and damage to the skin.
Acne Prevention: The oil contains zinc and selenium, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This makes pumpkin oil an effective natural remedy for acne-prone skin, helping to reduce redness and inflammation.
Brightening Properties: Vitamin C in pumpkin oil can help fade dark spots and promote a more even skin tone, leaving your complexion looking radiant.
Skin Repair: The oil is rich in phytosterols, which promote skin repair and regeneration. This can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive or damaged skin.
You can find these wonderful benefits in our very own Supreme Anti-Age Remedy, which contains the wonders of pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin oil is not just a trendy skincare ingredient; it's a time-tested remedy with a rich history. By incorporating it into your daily skincare routine, you can unlock the potential for healthier, more radiant skin, all while connecting with centuries of natural beauty wisdom.
Recipe
In the spirit of autumn and the blooming atmosphere of pumpkins, I want to share with you one of my absolute favourite soups with pumpkin which doesn’t take more than an hour to make.
All you need is:
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin
- Olive oil (for brushing and about 3–4 tablespoons for the soup)
- 1–2 vegetable stock cubes
- About 1 liter of water
- 100 ml (about ½ cup) cream
- 1 large knob of butter
- Dried basil (to taste)
- Dried thyme (to taste)
Optional for serving:
- Sourdough bread
- Your favorite pesto
- Grated cheese
And all you have to do is:
- Preheat the oven to 220 °C (430 °F) or use the grill setting.
- Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and cut it into small, flat slices.
- Brush the slices with a little olive oil and grill them in the oven until golden and tender on both sides.
- Place the grilled pumpkin pieces in a pot with about 1 liter of water and add the stock cubes.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the pumpkin is completely soft.
- Add the dried basil, thyme, cream, butter, and 3–4 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil again and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving suggestion:
Serve with toasted sourdough bread. Slice the bread thinly, spread with pesto, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden and crisp.
